Las Vegas: On a stunning Saturday night at Mandalay Bay, Armando Resendiz defeated Caleb Plant by a split decision, which many call the boxing upset of the year. The 26-year-old Mexican fighter outworked and outpowered the former world champion over 12 intense rounds to capture the WBA interim super middleweight title.
The judges scored the bout 116-112 twice in favor of Resendiz, with one judge giving it 115-113 to Plant. Despite being a heavy underdog, Resendiz displayed relentless aggression, outlasting Plant 186-108 and dominating the fight’s second half.
Backed by coach Manny Robles, who guided Andy Ruiz in his 2019 knockout of Anthony Joshua, Resendiz turned the tide early.
After a cautious first two rounds, he stunned Plant in the third with a flurry of power punches and began targeting the body. By the fifth round, Plant’s energy visibly faded.
Though Plant tried to regain control with his jab and footwork, he couldn’t match Resendiz’s pace or power. Plant absorbed heavy shots in the sixth and was visibly shaken, narrowly avoiding a knockdown before the bell.
“I believed in myself,” Resendiz said post-fight. “We did exactly what we came to do.”
Plant, now 23-3, admitted he wasn’t the better man that night. “I felt like I did well... but it wasn’t enough,” he said. He had entered the ring expecting to win and set up a bout with Jermall Charlo, who stopped Thomas LaManna earlier that evening. That plan is now derailed.
Resendiz, now 16-2, with 12 KOs, said he’s ready for any challenge next. His grit, pressure, and power shots earned him a career-defining victory that places him firmly in the spotlight of the super middleweight division.
